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Senate starts work on pot bill after fed warning

DENVER — Colorado lawmakers are taking up marijuana regulation proposals for the first time since they received a federal warning about states and pot.

The Senate Finance Committee planned to start work on a medical marijuana bill that changes rules for how the drug can be grown and sold. Last week, the top federal prosecutor in Colorado sent officials a letter warning that they could put state employees at risk of federal prosecution if they go too far regulating pot.

Lawmakers from both parties have said they intend to move ahead with this year’s bill, which addresses who can work at dispensaries and changes other regulations.

John Walsh’s letter closely resembles those sent by U.S. attorneys in other states that have legalized medical marijuana.